Southern California -- this just in

Victim attacked by pit bull during robbery attempt in Whittier

June 27, 2011 | 8:55
pm

Whittier police Monday were investigating an attempted robbery in which the victim was beaten by two assailants and also attacked by a pit bull.

The victim, described as a 46-year-old male, was bitten on both ears, had numerous wounds on his face, including boot marks, and received 10 stitches on the back of his head from the Saturday attack, according to police.

The victim refused to give up his wallet to the boy, who began striking the victim with his fists. The assailant's father saw the fight, ran over and unleashed the pit bull on the victim and also began striking him, police said.

The father and son assailants fled the scene. Officers tracked the two down to a nearby apartment and found bloody boots inside, according to police.

Richard Aragon Sr., 51, and his son were arrested on suspicion of assault and attempted robbery, the department said. The son's name was not released because he is a juvenile. A third juvenile was arrested for assaulting an officer while being questioned in connection with the incident.